North Italia

We originally had plans to go to Maggiano’s, but when we arrived they had some gas leak going on. change of plans and we got to hit up a new spot I have been hearing rave reviews on. North Italia has locations spreading over the US and I can see why.

When you walk in it’s modern and trendy and fully booked. I love that they have a huge glass wall to see into the kitchen. You can go up and watch the dishes being made.

K ordered an APRICOT LIMONATA $11 (smirnoff vodka, apricot liqueur, smashed lemon). Wow this drink is so good! It’s the perfect summer cocktail to lounge by the pool.

The guys each got the QUIET ITALIAN GENTLEMAN $14 (bulleit rye, cocchi vermouth di torino, campari, disaronno amaretto). I thought this was also a tasty choice.

For appetizer we started off with the TRUFFLE GARLIC BREAD $9 (house made ricotta, grana padano, herbs) and CRISP CALAMARI $12 (arugula & lemon vinaigrette). Both are worth ordering for sure. I had second thoughts on the calamari till I tasted it. The breading is nicely done and that lemon vinaigrette makes you want to lick the plate clean. You won’t be disappointed with either of these!

K ordered the SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS $17 (tomato sugo, basil, olive oil, pecorino cheese). The pasta was so fresh and light and it was a huge portion. For the sauce it was a little too spicy, but I loved it once you ate a bite all together with the meat and pasta.

I ordered the SLOW COOKED SHORT RIB $26 (roasted vegetable & creamy mascarpone polenta). It was tender and good, but the over charred veggies threw off the taste a little. Next time I would pick something different.

The guys each ordered the CHICKEN PARMESAN $20 (rigatoni noodle & grana padano cream). This was another winning dish! The chicken could have used a little more pasta sauce, but wow those rigatoni was melt in your mouth good.

I read a lot about this dessert and knew we had to try them. The BOMBOLINI $7 ((italian donuts) Meyer lemon curd, vanilla mascarpone) super light and fluffy and the curd with the mascarpone was just enough sweetness to add to the dish.

DARK CHOCOLATE TART $8 (nutella mousse, pecan toffee). This dessert is over the top in richness. I suggest ordering this as a table, because it’s so rich you won’t want more than a bite or 2.

We also ordered an ITALIAN COFFEE $8 (espresso, galliano ristretto, amaretto, vanilla whipped cream). So good! It’s a dessert in itself and I could have drank a pitch of it!

Honestly I can’t wait to go back. Although the time we waiting sitting outside waiting on our waitress was a little longer than I would have liked, the food is outstanding.